This month in Fig Tree Cottage

Here’s to a strong finish to a wonderful year! Thank you for continuing to make great things happen.

The Full Cycles’ annual camping trip at Pedernales Falls was a true success. The weather totally cooperated (whew!), and the students had a fun and meaningful time. Some of my favorite moments were in the river and on the rocks, overhearing various students exclaim, “This is the best day EVER!” or, “I LOVE this!!” Their faces were filled with sheer joy. We hiked each day, experiencing two very different natural environments during the trip. Later we went for a swim, and then the children enjoyed fire-roasted hot dogs before knitting at the fireside and making s’mores--nothing better after hours in a river! It was such a smooth, enjoyable trip. The kids shined with grace and courtesy, helpful attitudes, and unbridled F-U-N.

We’d like to give a deep bow of gratitude to all those who donated and loaned camping equipment, to Eric Youngstrom for helping us get there, and to Mike Garrett for being “a five-star chaperone!” You’re the best!

May also meant celebrating moms at the Mothers’ Tea. We are glad you could come out as a community to celebrate all that you are and do. It was a very sweet time. Let’s do that again!

Last week we watched a play at Pollyanna Theater called “Young Bear.” It was a wonderful experience to watch the children experience another live performance; they were a delightfully receptive audience. Afterward, we discussed the movement and migrations of people, the ways that the characters showed kindness, how the set and costume designs aided the imagination, how the passage of time was conveyed, and about the main character’s life story and her discovery of what it means to be home. The discussions were rich and interesting.

Our celebration of story and language continued that afternoon as we celebrated an Authors’ Tea, uh, Smoothie! We had a big turnout, and we’re glad so many of you could attend an event that was created, organized, and executed completely by Fig Tree students.

Fun experiences in the classroom this month included the continuation of the series of lessons regarding the interconnectedness of human beings. We explored the many, many people involved in getting that single loaf of bread into your pantry at home (trust me, that’s a lot of people!). We then explored a fraction of the many, many things we get from farmers. Each lesson is very eye-opening for students, in addition to fostering feelings of gratitude.

In May, students also received the last Great Story, the Story of Numbers. They were fascinated to consider ancient people’s need for the ability to count, measure, and estimate; how our number symbols changed over time; the multitudes of people involved in getting this brilliant invention to us; and the gift of zero…. They learned that our number system, something that seems so simple, has a very complex and fascinating history!

The last week of school is going to be LOADED with learning, community, and fun! During our last days together we will fit in as much as we can--making giant thank you cards for Cedars superstar staff members, watching an interview with an astronaut as he floats in the International Space Station, going on a Geography scavenger hunt, and creating a memory poster. On the last (half) day of school, we’ll enjoy signing yearbooks and having a movie day with popcorn!

Upcoming
Soon we will be sending you an email that lists summer activities and skill-builders. It’s not homework, but these activities certainly can enrich your child’s summer and keep them connected to some of their ongoing lessons and build some practical life skills.
Sign-Ups
We want to take this opportunity to thank each family for your long-term care of our environment by providing flowers and supporting your child with laundry. You made Fig Tree hum right along with these contributions. Thank you for taking the time to help us.


I am so deeply honored to have spent this year with your children. Every day with them is a gift. You are such a supportive community, and your children shine because of it.

With deep gratitude and joyful celebration--what a year!!--
Thank you,
Ms. Paige

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